Robin

Hi All,

I know most people here seem to be on a budget but I'm hoping there's someone out there that can answer this from experience.

I'm not trying to be a snob here but I have 4 nights to spend in THE city that I've most wanted to go to and I want to do it up right!

We looking for for the best 5 star hotel that is centrally located to most tourist attractions. I have never been to Venice but a friend told me that she was excited when the hotel gave her a room that faced the canal but then she soon learned it was not all that it was cracked up to be. She said the room was extremely noisey all night long. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Robin

Bob

The Danielli is magnificent. Even if you do not stay there, visit the lobby and have dinner there.

Robin

Thanks Bob, it's definitely one of my top choices. I'm tossed between the Danieli, Europa and Regina, Cipriani, and the Bauer. I think these ones keep coming up as the best but I'm having a hard time choosing between them. I'm hoping someone has had the luxury of staying at more than one and can tell me the pros and cons.

Thanks!

ben

I have been to Venice only twice, first staying at the Cipriani, next at the Gritti. The Cip is distinct for having a pool, besides being frightfully expensive. But it is neat to arise, take a swim, have breakfast, and then take the motor launch into Venice for a day's sightseeing -- ending at 3 or 4 to return (on the launch) for coctails and a swim. Nothing like it on a hot day. However, the Cip is not centrally located, as you wanted.
Closer in is the Gritti, unfortunately not on your list, but to me one of the very distinguished hotels in the world, quiet, elegant, tasteful. The rooftop at the Danieli is sensational, but the hotel has too many tour groups for my taste. And I know of at least one of my relatives who couldn't stand it.
Good luck and have fun. Venice is a dream, a fairyland. Wherever you stay, you will have a ball. I regret not going there this year, but I will have to settle (in just 25 days) for Florence, Sienna, a walking trip in Tuscany and Umbria, and Rome. Ciao!

Robin

Sorry, forgot to mention the Gritti Palace..guess that makes 5 hotels in the running. I noticed tonight that Fodors and Frommers books both recommend the Gritti. Would you say the Gritti over-ranks the Danielli and Europea/Regina??

Sandy

Dear Robin,
I just got back from Venice -- my first visit. I've been wanting to go all my life. I, like you, didn't want to stay in just any hotel. I chose the Londra Palace. It is one of the Small Luxury Hotels collection, and it is a gem. Only 43 rooms, all beautiful. Ours was a Jr. Suite, facing the lagoon, with the fantastic view of San Giorgio across the water. The room was beautifully decorated, all the marble bathrooms have a jacuzzi tub, it's really delightful. The restaurant, Do Leoni, was wonderful, and the staff is very nice. It's not inexpensive, but it won't break the bank either.

Since I am a travel agent, I also visited some other hotels. If you choose the Bauer, be sure to get a room in The Palazzo. This is the Deluxe section of the hotel, and it is gorgeous. The other part of the hotel is full of tour groups and rather characterless. The location is excellent -- right in the thick of things. It also has its own water taxi dock, and gondola dock. Very nice.

I wasn't able to see any rooms at the Danieli -- they were fully booked -- but Madeline Albright was staying there while we were in Venice -- if that's any recommendation. The lobby is truly magnificent. Go see it, even if you don't stay there.
Be sure to wander away from all the tourist attractions at least once while you are in Venice, if only to get a glimpse of the real Venice. It's so quiet -- no cars or buses, and you will make all sorts of discoveries.
Have a wonderful time.
Sandy

Dona

Robin,

I've been to Venice many times and it is absolutelly my favorite city in Italy. I have not stayed at any of the recommended hotels (yet!!) but I have been to them all - so maybe this helps...

As mentioned, the Cipriano is gorgeous but not centrally located. The Danieli is right on the main "drag" but to me, this is not a great thing. I would visit the bar or the rooftop restaurant, but would not stay there.

The Baur always seems too "business like" to me - although I have friends who think the rooms on the Canal are wonderful. It would not be on top of my list.

The Gritti has always beem my first choice (until recently...). It's "just close enough" without being in the noise - it is elegant and the rooms on the Canal (like Woody Allen's in "Everybody says I Love You!) look fabulous.

But - during my last trip, I finally found the Europa and Regina - it's very close to San Marco - but hidden. You won't just pass it - you have to know where you're going. A real plus. I spent many evenings there (they have a wonderful lounge) - and a room on the Canal would be my first choice.

You can't go wrong with any of your choices - you will love it!

Dona

John

I prefer the Danieli. However, if you are going to stay there, you need to call the hotel after making a reservation and ask for a room in the old building (the original palace). Otherwise you may be unhappy. I have also stayed at the Cipriani. Not only does it require a boat to get to "downtown" Venice, but the service is not all that it is cracked up to be. The last time we stayed there, the service was so bad and the staff so rude that we packed up and went back to the Danieli. Also, the Ciprianis are most renowned for their food. They sold the hotel several years ago, which may be part of the problem. if you want to take part in the Cipriani circus, you can easily grab a drink or dinner at Harry's Bar in the main part of Venice.

I have never seen a "tourist group" at the Danieli. In fact, many times, even when the hotel has been full, I have felt like I am the only guest - we went out one time and left our laundry and when we returned two hours later (without having asked for express service), all our laundry was done and pressed. Not bad. Plus, the staff is very gracious and always willing to help you out with your needs.

I have never been in the Gritti Palace, but it gets a lot of good reviews. I think that if you had to choose between that and the Danieli, either one would be a "perfect" choice.

elaine

I have friends who have been to Venice several times, and they would never stay anyplace other than the Europa Regina.
I have not been inside, but I can tell you that the location is excellent--less than 5 minutes to San Marco, but
away from that hubub. You can request rooms with balconies overlooking the Grand Canal,

carol

I haven't stayed there, but I also love the Gritti. One of the things I love about it are its terrace tables on the Grand Canal. I've often thought it would be wonderful to have an early breakfast there. As for the other hotels, I do know that the Danieli is not right on the water, I don't know about the others.

Susan

My husband and I just returned from Italy and stayed at the Europa Regina in Venice. We enjoyed the hotel and had a very nice room (not on the Grand Canal since that would have cost double). Even though the hotel is centrally located, it is hidden away.

I do have to say that the hotel lacked personalized service and attention to detail you would expect in this price category. It did not have that 'exclusive' feel you might be seeking. Perhaps this is because we had just stayed at The Lungarno in Florence and had been spoiled by the attention to every minute detail the staff gave.

I personally prefer smaller hotels such as the Luna Baglioni in Venice. Unfortunately, I did not stay at the Luna Baglioni. I did go over there and saw two of their rooms and overall could tell the hotel seemed less of a 'convention' hotel and more of a boutique hotel.

We had drinks in the lobby at the Danieli and were surrounded by a convention from New York...but that is what happens when you stay at larger well known hotels. Whichever hotel you stay in, make sure the room is what you are expecting because all these hotels have very different kinds of rooms varying tremendously in price.

We did go into the Gritti Palace and liked what we saw. It is much smaller than the Danieli and Europa and I think this would be a good choice too...price being no object.

Anna

If you want to stay near St. Mark's Square - the Gritti Palace is your best option. Some of the rooms at the Danielli are a huge disappointment, even though the lobby etc. are beautiful. I love the Londra Palace, it is small and intimate and the lagoon-view suites are beautiful, with jacuzzis. It is less glitzy than the Gritti Place though - and it sounds like you may prefer the Gritti.

The Cipriani is an excellent choice if you are happy to take their launch to / from the centre of things. It has the advantage of having a huge pool. It's probably a more relaxing option than the others. At least have dinner there, even if you stay somewhere else.

I don't know what time of year you are planning on travelling, but we found (in the Autumn) that the noise was from the foghorns as the boats travelled through the lagoon at night. Difficult to avoid I'm afriad, but it shouldn't be a problem in the summer.

Hope this helps - enjoy !

kam

I became terribly ill while staying at the Europa in Venice and I have never experienced such kind and concerned service from a hotel. They were tops! Granted, it's a quieter hotel than the others and the staff reflects that as well. Our room was wonderfully large with a huge bathroom. The public rooms and the little porch are restful which is nice to escape the crowds of tourists in Venice. Also, it's not as pricey as the Cipriani. That said, we would never want to stay anywhere but the Europa, but if you ask me what's the best, I would have to say the Cipriani! In any of these, you can't go wrong, although having eaten at the Danieli, the lobby and public rooms are more than crowded and it's in a very busy part of town.

Robin

For those who are interested, the decision has been made. Actually it was kind of a no-brainer because the only hotel that could guarantee me a canal view room was the Bauer so that's where we are staying. I'd love to hear from anyone who has personally stayed there.

Thanks much!

Robin

marija

We stayed in a canal view room in the old part of the Bauer and were quite pleased with it. The room was not very large but nicely furnished and it had a modern bath. We preferred it to a canal view at the Europa and Regina which was much larger but not as "Venetian." Although the Bauer was not a memorable hotel, our room was the nicest one we've had in Venice.

Joseph cameron

All of the previous messages are right on the mark: great hotels all. And pricey. Just a suggestion: after you book at one of those hotels, one day walk to the Hotel Flora near Pza. San Marco (Tel. 041-5205844) and check it our for your SECOND trip to Venice. You may want to book on the spot. Why? Much, much less money, and real Venice. And you now can splurge for meals at places like Da Fiore. I'm looking at Flora's brochure as I read this. Wow! dreaming about Vsalavating.io

Robin

Hi All,

I'm back from our trip and wanted to report in. I'll start by saying that I am TRILLED that we stayed at the Baur and would definately stay there again if given the opportunity. I think the location is the best in Venice. I would not have liked to be down by the Danielli or Londra Palace, I would think it would be much more noisey since you can walk out in front of them and the area has much more traffic between tourists, boats, etc. This hotel is pretty much right on the water so there's no tourist traffic out front.

In addition, the staff at the Baur is exceptional! They went out of their way at every opportunity to do whatever you asked. They were making reservations for dinner, cafe recommendations, water taxis, train travel, tours, etc. I can't say enough about the staff this hotel. They are probably the most accomodating we've ever had. Yes, we paid for it but it was worth every penny.

Our room had a beautiful view of the canal but it was set far enough back so we didn't really hear any noise. We stayed in the Il Palazzo section of the hotel which was just written up in Conde Nast. Honestly, our view was like looking out at a painting every morning.
If you're looking for a great hotel in a great location, I highly recommend the Baur!

kiersten

THE CIPRIANI!!! Esp. if you are going when it is warm- you can only walk for so many hours in Venice before wanting to collapse..and the Cipriani is perfect-the gardens, the breeze on the island, the gourmet food, the pool, the pool, the pool....

Rod Hoots

Hi Robin!

Have visited the Cipriani but not stayed there. It's a beautiful place with a beautiful pool. The included motor launch service runs often and only takes about ten minutes to a dock near San Marco Square. The launches are so nice you could spend half a day just riding in them. They also provide launches to the Excelsior Hotel on Lido, a wonderful place to have lunch on a terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, or they will arrange for a cabana so you can swim in the sea.

Have eaten at the Gritti but not stayed there. An elegant place but the public areas are not spacious.

Have stayed at the Bauer, but haven't seen the "new" section. A very nice place with large rooms and a convenient location. Not as much atmosphere as the others.

Stayed at the Europa twice and didn't like it. Noisy and arrogant staff.

Have stayed at the Danieli several times and it's our favorite. Having a martini in the lobby every evening and watching the passing parade is an experience not to be missed, whether you stay there or not. The restaurant is outstanding and another rare treat is having their buffet breakfast on the roof terrace restaurant while looking out over the lagoon.

In any of these hotels, be sure you get a "canal front" (not canal view) room and get it in writing (i.e., a letter signed by the manager - can be faxed to you).

Enjoy!

Michael

I stayed at the Bauer myself. Thought it was grand. But to be honest with you...stay at a hotel because it is elegant and charming. Don't give much weight to a room with a view of the canal. You won't be in your room much. We got up early - had breakfast - ran around all day - came back to the room -napped, showered, and out for dinner and the evening --- by the time you get back to your room, you won't care if there is a view of the canal or not. Most of the day you will be walking near canals of one size or another. But the best thing was when it was time to leave, we ordered a water taxi, which picks you up on the Bauer's own little dock...and the ride back to Mestre on the mainland, where our car was parked was a highlight itself. You will get excellent photo opportunities as you leave.